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Love More. Live More.

"When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are insulted, we answer back with kind words. We are no more than this world's garbage, we are the scum of the earth to this very moment." -1 Corinthians 4:12-13

Reflection:

Scum of the earth. The stone rejected turns out to be the cornerstone.

When we set out to serve the Lord, our expectations must not even consider comfort, or ease, or acceptance. Following the Lord's ways in this earthly life is always strewn with difficulties, conflicts, entanglements. Without these, we can so easily, with the snap of a finger, and wink of the eye, breeze through what life requires of us to be made. But Jesus spells the difference of a full life, a whole life, a meaningful life.

In community, we are presented with people, situations, and opportunities for loving:

People who serve us, people we minister to, people we call brothers and sisters.

Leaders competing with one another; household members pursuing their comfort zones in ministry; an empty tithe call.

Do these situations challenge us to give more, or to give up?

______________________________

I just need to be reminded of this... especially now. :)

Let me end with these beautiful words of wisdom from my partner JM:

When you are rejected, you have to be more accepting. When you are being hated, all the more that you should be loving. Battle apathy by loving even those who are difficult to love.

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